Business & Economy

Travelers face higher costs, from gas to park passes

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TRAVEL COSTS: The cost of gas, food and even recreational park passes are on the rise. Travel experts say look for deals and think off-season to keep from paying more for your recreational time. Businesses are getting creative. One Ludington B&B owner even offered a knitting retreat to draw more visitors. We talk to a Pure Michigan official and the Ludington business owner. By Sophia Brandt. FOR LUDINGTON, HOLLAND, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS and ALL POINTS.

Business & Economy

Lawmaker wants different property tax assessment on big box stores

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PROPERTY TAXES: Do big box stores avoid paying their fair share of local property tax? Yes, according to critics – including a UP legislator – who say the companies take advantage of the controversial “dark store” assessment metric that the state Tax Tribunal uses. We hear from the Retailers Association, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, and local government associations that say some cities, counties and townships could be on the hook for millions of dollars in business tax refunds, including Houghton, Big Rapids Township and Lansing Township. By Dan Netter. FOR GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, CORP! BIG RAPIDS, IRON MOUNTAIN, LANSING, MARQUETTE AND ALL POINTS.

News

Art plays key role in Grand Ledge

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Art has played a prominent role in the Grand Ledge community for many years. Bridge Street, the main street of Grand Ledge, is filled with art shops everywhere. Stephenie Lapp of Ledge Craft Lane explains how her store impacts the commuinty. “We’re a nonprofit run by a board of directors. We have over 50 million Michigan artists that sell their goods in this store all year round.” Lapp says, “Everything you are going to get is going to be from someone local in Michigan and it’s going to be made with their hands.”

Tam Wolf, a clay artist in Grand Ledge, sells her art at various stores throughout the city and wants to teach others how to do pottery.

Arts & Entertainment

Artwork, cookware, apparel fill downtown DeWitt market

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The Bridge + Main Market hosted a lively Fall Outdoor Market on Oct. 8, attracting dozens of artists, designers, bakers and jewelers. The market is known to artisans across the state for a few reasons — the uniqueness of each booth, the support for small businesses and the kindness of the community.

Many businesses at the market were relatively new, starting in the early days of the pandemic. For example, Lady Wood Goods owner Nicole Rodgers said the lockdown gave her the time and opportunity to learn a new hobby: woodcutting. She sells handmade decor, kitchenware and more. This is her second year at the fall market, having been invited by a friend and fellow artisan. “Yeah, she told me all about it and how amazing it is here. It’s little, but every vendor is so different. And the community itself is so awesome,” said Rodgers.

Article

Phase Three of Delta Crossings plagued by lawsuits, setbacks

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Progress is yet to be seen on phase three of Delta Crossings shopping center located off West Saginaw Highway. Originally expected to be finished within five years, a lawsuit among multiple construction partners has halted most of the development on the project, leaving an official deadline up in the air. 

Nestled between Interstate 96 and Broadbent Road in an empty, square plot of land sits Delta Crossings, a small strip mall with big intentions for the northwestern chunk of Delta Township. Approved by the board in 2019, the $200 million project was intended to draw traffic from Lansing and East Lansing toward Delta. 

“It’s long been in the plans to develop that property near the freeway. So it’s brought some excitement and some new stores which were not here,” said Delta Township Manager Brian Reed. 

“The corridor is definitely busier which is good for all businesses. We have seen an uptick of property values along the Saginaw corridor.

News

DeWitt Farmers Market nearing end of 2022 season 

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Matea KanickiLocals shopping around vendors at the DeWitt Farmers Market. Rain or shine, the DeWitt Farmers Market welcomes the community to visit and shop from local vendors. Little does the community know how great of an impact they make on local vendors, their families, but also themselves. 

The market began June 7 and will continue through October 18. Every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m, local vendors and businesses meet in downtown DeWitt at North Bridge Street and West Main Street. 

On Tuesday Sept. 27, rainy conditions did not stop a crowd from coming out to visit vendors including The Beeswax Barrn, The Cheese People, and TIN CUP cafe and Creamery. 

The DeWitt Farmers Market is one of many that Malinda Barr, owner of The Beeswax Barrn, visits throughout the year.

Article

Staff shortages hurt downtown East Lansing

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Downtown East Lansing businesses rely heavily on Michigan State University, its sports, clubs and other organizations. Some businesses have hired more employees as students have returned to campus, although others are still having difficulties filling spots. This is driving up wages.